“Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he continues to receive in these hours,” the Vatican statement said. The pope expressed particular gratitude for the well wishes he received from his fellow patients in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and asked for continued prayers.

Pope Francis is in critical condition and his "prognosis remains guarded" as he experienced a respiratory crisis Saturday morning requiring oxygen and blood transfusions, the Vatican said Saturday night.

The Vatican said Francis hadn't had any more respiratory crises since Saturday night but was still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen.